by Luna

by Luna

Luna

Blog Intro

Hello, I'm Luna, and I'd like to welcome you to "Kisses from Kairo,"* my blog about living and working as an American belly dancer in Cairo.

Life in Cairo isn't easy for dancers, foreigners, women, or even Egyptians.It is, however, always exciting. That’s why after living here for seven years, I've decided to share my experiences with the world.From being contracted at the Semiramis Hotel to almost being deported, not a day has gone by without something odd or magical happening.I will therefore fill these pages with bits of my history in Cairo—my experiences, successes, mistakes, and observations.Admittedly, my time here has been rather unique, so I want to stress that while everything I write is true, my experiences do not necessarily reflect the lives of other dancers.

In addition to my life as a belly dancer, I will write about developments in costuming, performances, festivals, and, of course, the dance itself.I will also make frequent references to Egyptian culture. I should note that I have a love/hate relationship with Egypt. If I make any criticisms about the country, please keep in mind that I do so with the utmost love, respect, and most of all, honesty. Egypt has become my home, so I want to avoid romanticizing and apologizing for social maladies, as most foreigners tend to do. Nothing could be more misguided, patronizing, or insulting.

I hope you find this blog informative, insightful and entertaining, and that we can make this as interactive as possible. That means I'd love to hear from you. Send me your comments, questions, complaints, suggestions, pics, doctoral dissertations, money, etc., and I will get back to you. Promise. :)~

My Videos

Sunday, May 19, 2013

2013 Summer Workshops

Hey everyone!It’s almost that time of year again (Ramadan)
when I get to come home and relax from my busy life in Cairo.Though honestly, I don’t think I’ll be doing
much relaxing.I’ve got a pretty busy
workshop schedule set up for me, and I wanted to share that with all of you.I’ll also be available for private lessons,
and will be bringing plenty of new and used costumes for sale!Please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of
my sponsors for more information or to register.

Egyptian Shaabi Styling & ChoreographyShaabi is a dance form originating from the
lower class neighborhoods of Cairo that has become extremely popular in the
workshop circuit. Learn about this funky, heavy and unique style with Luna, as
well as the meaning of typical Egyptian hand gestures. You will also learn a new choreography!

Tarab
In this workshop, Luna will explain the concept of tarab as it applies to Oriental dance.She will walk you through a brilliant,
emotional choreography to an Egyptian classic, and explain how to express the
lyrics without overdoing it and looking fake.

Saidi TahtibTahtib is the martial arts version of Saidi dance, in which two
or more dancers “fight” each other with sticks.Though traditionally a man’s dance, it is one of Luna’s passions.Join her as she shares the technical basics
of this interesting and fun style, and whips them into combinations that will
have you dueling on stage inno time!

Egyptian Shabi Styling &
ChoreographyShaabi is a dance form originating from the
lower class neighborhoods of Cairo that has become extremely popular in the
workshop circuit. Learn about this funky, heavy and unique style with Luna, as
well as the meaning of typical Egyptian hand gestures.You will also learn a new choreography!

Egyptian
versus American Style Luna will be teaching some very typical
Egyptian-styled movements and will explain how they differ from the American
style.Wewill be working on traveling movements, combinations, various hip
circles and some of her own personal moves!

Egyptian Shaabi Styling & ChoreographyShaabi is a dance form originating from the
lower class neighborhoods of Cairo that has become extremely popular in the
workshop circuit. Learn about this funky, heavy and unique style with Luna, as
well as the meaning of typical Egyptian hand gestures.You will also learn a new choreography!

Entrance Choreography
Gain a better understanding of how to interpret the music for an entrance piece
in this choreography with Luna. She will be explaining how she hears the music,
why she chooses certain steps and transitions, and how she structures her
performances. Go home with a new piece you can use for your shows!

Luna will be teaching some very typical
Egyptian-styled movements and will explain how they differ from the American
style. We will be working on traveling movements, combinations, various hip
circles and some of her own personal moves!

Egyptian Shaabi Styling & Choreography
Shaabi is a dance form originating from the
lower class neighborhoods of Cairo that has become extremely popular in the
workshop circuit. Learn about this funky, heavy and unique style with Luna, as
well as the meaning of typical Egyptian hand gestures.Youwill also learn a new choreography!

E

ntrance Choreography
Gain a better understanding of how to interpret the music for an entrance piece
in this choreography with Luna. She will be explaining how she hears the music,
why she chooses certain steps and transitions, and how she structures her
performances. Go home with a new piece you can use for your shows!

*Luna
of Cairo in New York City*

New York, NY, August 3rd
and 4th with Tarik Sultan

Location and Prices TBA

Egyptian Shaabi Styling & Choreography
Shaabi is a dance form originating from the
lower class neighborhoods of Cairo that has become extremely popular in the
workshop circuit. Learn about this funky, heavy and unique style with Luna, as
well as the meaning of typical Egyptian hand gestures.You will also learn anew choreography!

Tarab
In this workshop, Luna will explain the concept of tarab as it applies to Oriental dance.She will walk you through a brilliant,
emotional choreography to an Egyptian classic, and explain how to express the
lyrics without overdoing it and looking fake.

Egyptian
versus American Style

Luna will be sharing some of her own
personal moves and combinations, and explain how you too can create completely unique
steps from the ones we already know and love.Workshop will focus on different ways to travel, different ways of
expressing accents, and ways to combine sinuous moves with sharp ones.

2 comments:

Hi Luna-Just spoke to your mother 2 days ago and she told me all about you being in Cairo etc. Diane and I know each other from both our JFK days. I have been in Cairo many times, Dad was Egyptian, and will be going again after Ramadan.I see you will be teaching in NYC maybe I will take your class and we can get together. In the meantime stay cool :) Sonia

About Me

Luna is an American belly dancer contracted at the Nile Memphis in Cairo. Her authentic Egyptian style, musical interpretation, and stage presence make her one of the most requested dancers in Egypt. For performance and class schedules, or to book Luna for a workshop, contact Luna at lunaofcairo@gmail.com.